A Democratic Socialist Blog

Social Democrats Are Socialists

Social democracy is a political ideology of the political left and centre-left on the classic political spectrum. Social democracy emerged in the late 19th century from the socialist movement and continues to exert influence worldwide. The concept of social democracy has changed throughout the decades since its inception. The fundamental difference between social democratic thought and other forms of socialism historically, social democratic parties advocated socialism in the strict sense, which was to be achieved by class struggle. In the early 20th century, however, a number of socialist parties rejected revolution and other traditional ideas of Marxism such as class struggle, and went on to take more moderate positions. These moderate positions included a belief that reformism was a desirable way to achieve socialism. However, the third way is a sell out to liberalism, dividing Socialist Social Democrats from Liberal Social Democrats. The Socialist International (SI) is the main international organization of social democratic and moderate socialist parties. It affirms the following principles: first, freedom—not only individual liberties, but also freedom from discrimination and freedom from dependence on either the owners of the means of production or the holders of abusive political power; second, equality and social justice—not only before the law but also economic and socio-cultural equality as well, and equal opportunities for all including those with physical, mental, or social disabilities; and, third, solidarity—unity and a sense of compassion for the victims of injustice and inequality. These ideals are described in further detail in the SI’s Declaration of Principles. In Denmark, a Fine example for Democratic Socialism: “I’m being paid right now for not going to school. I’m being paid for parenting,” “It’s 100 percent paid for by the government for half a year.” Denmark also provides free health care, subsidized childcare and elder care; a social safety net spread the length and breadth of the country. “I mean, we’re pretty much free to do whatever we want. We are secure from the day we are born. For a Dane who lives in Denmark,” but workaholics they are not: And that is one trade-off most Americans are not willing to make. Americans, according to Harvard Psychology lecturer Tal Ben-Shahar, want it all. I interviewed an Italian Socialist: Americans, even socialist are politically undereducated. They think they know Europe and Socialism. Even we criticisms that our Socialism has massive failures and embraced liberalism and privatization. Yet at least our Socialisms have achieved something and we are growing. You cannot say that about the USA.” Another said, “At least our fight and struggle is genuine. Social Democrats and Socialists herald a better quality of life. We are still fighting for it and unlike America, we will eventually win.” European countries place ahead of the United States in terms of per capita Gross Domestic Product — Luxembourg, Norway, Iceland, Ireland, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Netherlands. These are amongst the happiest countries in the world, and they have all hosted Social Democratic and Socialist Parties. “I heard the nonsense, we are mono-racial, we pay high taxes, and we are controlled by Unions.” One said, “But we have an excellent quality of life.” What Socialism, Democratic Socialist Social Democracy does is herald a better society, not utopia, but largely a more humane society. A society where people are not abandoned to poverty and social distress, where there is social justice and social consciousness. Where people have happier, more fulfilling, rewarding lives. American want a bigger house, fancier car, more stuff. And when we get more, there’s always someone with even more stuff, who’s just as unhappy. Some suggest that the unhappiest zip codes in the country are the wealthiest, like the Beverly Hills. The American dream promote a loveless, dog eat dog world of coldness and cruelty. In many ways the American dream is a massive failure. It isn’t bad to want success, The America way is socially and psychologically destructive.